School is done, but you haven't settled on a career yet? Hardly any young person wants to live off their parents until college or training begins. A good option is a volunteer year abroad. It's not only about working here; the motto is experiencing and building on new cultures, countries, people and languages. A volunteer year abroad should be well prepared so it doesn't turn into a disappointment.

Volunteer year abroad - Choosing and applying

volunteer year abroad

There are several options. Through churches, anyone can sign up for social projects in a wide variety of countries, for example. This should be planned early so that all preparations can be made. Some countries also require certain vaccinations. Since these sometimes involve 2-3 shots, you need enough time. There are also applications, just like in working life, so that the organizers can take a calm look at their "protégés." Countries such as Ghana, Bangladesh, Latin America, Indonesia, but also Sweden and other European countries are well suited for a volunteer year abroad, work and life. Everyone can pick their favorite country.

Many providers' websites have application forms that show exactly what an application should look like. Creative writing shows interest in the work and the country. But don't "lay it on too thick" or exaggerate. The organizer can quickly judge that negatively.
Your application should above all describe your motivation: why this particular country and this work. Application deadlines are often in the fall or winter. So find out about them in good time and take all the necessary steps. A volunteer year abroad is an exciting thing.

Volunteer year abroad - Checklist

  • Where are you headed
  • Round trip or one location
  • Which organizer
  • Animal welfare, social or charitable project?
  • Write an application with your motivation, reasons and more
  • Keep application deadlines in mind
  • Prepare for your year abroad long enough in advance
volunteer year abroad

Volunteer year abroad - Working abroad while traveling

If you don't want to stay in just one place but want to get to know the country, you can do that through a volunteer year abroad as well. There are programs where you join a round trip that covers large parts of a country. Whether it's supporting animal welfare, social or charitable projects, everything is possible with these programs. Some organizers like to work in different locations, giving young people the chance to get to know the country's culture and people in depth.

There are plenty of organizers online who get young people excited about Work & Travel. Sometimes, though, they're interested in more than the young people's voluntary work. So keep your eyes open with unfamiliar providers. Anyone who chooses, for example, THW (Germany's Federal Agency for Technical Relief), Caritas, the Red Cross or other well-known organizations is on the safe side for a volunteer year abroad working with people. Be sure to accept an introductory meeting to get to know your fellow travelers. With these organizations, all costs, such as the outbound and return flights, are also clearly defined from the start. The same goes for any pocket money and insurance.